Okay, so I was really proud of myself for coming up with a couple openers and learning some routines. But, no practice can get you ready for big games so I decided to learn by doing. I was meeting some friends at a coffee shop and was going to open on the barista when, all of a sudden I froze up. I've never had a problem with introducing myself to strangers before but something about seeing myself in an actual sarging situation brought out this completely unfounded ridiculous fear in me. After drinking a cappuccino that tasted more like gym sweat than victory it became apparent that my friends weren't going to show up. so, I strode out the door dejected.

Fortunately not all hope was lost. I recalled that I had skipped dinner to meet my friends and wondered if I might have another chance. I stopped at a subway on my way home and found ideal circumstances. There was a 6.5 about my age making the sandwiches by herself while a 20 something 4.0 (I've found that anyone wearing a fast food uniform can go up as much as 1.5 when in normal clothes) was taking a smoking break. There was only one person ahead of me so I thought I was in the clear. However, the 4.0 made it back from her smoking break just in time to take my order. "Oh, well," I thought, "maybe I can still work this"

Me: I'm really hungry right now do you know any good restaurants close by?

4.0: Actually, I just moved here so I don't.

6.5: Well, just down the street there's olive garden. Next door to that there's a Red robin.

(These girls were being too serious it was throwing off my game. I had to get back in control)

Me: Okay, well I guess I'll settle for this place for now.

4.0: What kind of cheese do you want?

Me: Surprise me. (take note, I actually learned that one from an AMOG)

4.0: You look like you'd want...American! (she was good)

At this point I was starting to sink back and be a normal customer in her eyes.

4.0: Would you like a free drink with that?

Nice! I had one more chance to stand out.

Me: No, not really.

girls: Aw, come on, it's free!

Me: Well, if your going to be so insistent then okay.

I could've gamed more after that but there was a line growing behind me at this point that was kind of being neglected. Plus, I lacked a wing to occupy the 4.0 so I decided to walk away. Pretty boring I know but it felt good to finally use some of this stuff and get past the fear of approach. It can only go up from here!

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All the world is a stage, but the play is badly cast!
-Oscar Wilde